The new British High Commissioner Fiona Ritchie has pledged that her government will continue working with the country’s leadership to strengthen the economy and build prosperity for ordinary Malawians.

She said this yesterday  at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe after presenting her letters of credence to President Lazarus Chakwera.

The envoy said she was delighted and honoured to take up her role as British High Commissioner.

Chakwera receives the letters of credence from Ritchie

Said Ritchie: “The UK is proud of its long and deep friendship with Malawi and I look forward to taking this partnership to greater heights, championing Malawi in the UK and internationally and supporting Malawi’s own ambitions to drive economic growth, promote freedom and democracy and deliver accountable public services for its people.”

She also welcomed Malawi2063, the country’s long-term development plan.

“The President and I also talked about private sector growth in Malawi because that is the best way to grow the economy and improve prosperity for the lives of ordinary Malawians,” said Ritchie.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo said she was optimistic that Ritchie’s tenure will be beneficial to Malawi, having already spent 18 months in the country.

“She has pledged to continue the good work of her predecessor David Beer to encourage British investments in Malawi, to grow the cordial relationship that is there with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and generally support Malawi on the international forum,” she said.

Malawi and the United Kingdom have maintained diplomatic relations for a long time.

Before becoming British High Commissioner, Ritchie was British High Commission development director in Lilongwe.

She has held various roles in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in the UK. She has also represented the UK at United Nations Headquarters in New York and supported development programmes in South Sudan, Afghanistan and Iraq.

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